Reviews Jerusalem birthplace law

21 Apr, 2014

Court agrees to weigh the constitutionality of a law that allows American citizens born in Jerusalem to have “Israel” listed on their passports as their country of birth. The case examines whether the president is the sole authority able to declare US foreign policy or whether Congress can pass laws overriding that policy. The administration says:

Taking sides on the issue could critically compromise the ability of the United States to work with Israelis, Palestinians and others in the region to further the peace process.

The government notes that US citizens born in regions where sovereignty is not established, including the West Bank and Gaza Strip, are prevented from stating a country of birth on their passports.